Lost Islands: An Immersive Journey Through Singapore and Indonesia’s Folktales at The Artground

The Artground's NEW "Lost Islands" exhibition is a treasure trove of interactive folklore, financial fun, and creative play for ages 0-9!

Venue: The Artground, Goodman Arts Centre
Dates: 19 Apr 2025 - 31 Mar 2026
Admission:

• Weekdays: $5/pax
• Weekends / PH / School Holidays: $8/child, $5/adult

Get ready for an adventure, mums and dads! The Artground, Singapore's beloved inclusive arts space for children, is launching an exciting new immersive exhibition: Lost Islands: An Immersive Journey Through Singapore and Indonesia’s Folktales. This enchanting experience promises to transport your little ones into a world of captivating myths, interactive play, and even a sprinkle of financial literacy fun!

Dive into a World of Wonder at The Artground's Latest Exhibition

Lost Islands is designed for active exploration and imaginative play. In collaboration with the talented Indonesian artist Rachmi Dewi Pertama, The Artground's Visual Arts Space will be transformed into a vibrant landscape brimming with mythical creatures and hidden stories just waiting to be discovered.

This isn't just an exhibition; it's an invitation for children aged 0 to 9 years to climb, explore, and create their own adventures while soaking up the rich cultural heritage of Singapore and Indonesia.

What Treasures Await Your Little Ones?

Lost Islands is packed with experiential zones inspired by beloved local and regional folklore. Here’s a sneak peek at the exciting discoveries awaiting your family:

• Turtle Island: Inspired by the legend of Kusu Island, children can clamber atop a giant turtle, sparking their imagination and encouraging active play.
• Adventure Story Island: A towering two-story book structure takes centre stage, inviting children to "flip" through oversized folktale pages, climb to new heights, and zoom down a slide into a soft foam pool. Keep an eye out for hidden dioramas by Rachmi Pertama that bring the stories to life!
• Baby Forest Island: Younger explorers (and their grown-ups!) will adore this cosy, sensory-friendly space inspired by the legend of Sang Nila Utama. Soft pool noodles mimic river broadleaf cumbungi, while cosy tents and a mini foam pit with soft fish and shell pillows offer a calming space for play and relaxation.
• The Mythical Dragon’s Back: A tactile walking path with varying textures provides a sensory experience for little feet to explore.
• Fishing Boat: Engage in hands-on interactive elements, perfect for imaginative play.
• Island Theatre: Let your child's creativity shine as they dress up and act out their favourite folktales in this fun-filled zone.
• "Lift-the-flap" Game on Adventure Island: A fun and interactive way to introduce simple vocabulary in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Immersive Animation: Don't miss the captivating animation of "Kusu Island: The Fishermen and the Turtle," presented by the National Library Board in collaboration with Esplanade Offstage.

Learning Through Play with the UOB Learning Playzone

Adding an extra layer of engagement, The Artground has partnered with UOB to introduce the UOB Learning Playzone. This unique space seamlessly blends art and financial literacy in a fun and accessible way for young minds. Through exciting role-play activities, such as trading in a marketplace using seashells and specially designed coins, children will grasp fundamental concepts of saving, spending, and managing money.

Each child will receive a "money card" to track their earnings and expenses as they take on different "jobs" within the Lost Islands, like fishing or performing. They can even decide whether to save, spend, or donate their earnings! A giant treasure map will guide families through this learning journey.

To encourage giving back, a gachapon machine allows children to exchange their earnings for magnet tokens representing food, books, or clothes, which they can then place on a charity tracker to see the impact of their choices.

Budding artists will also have the chance to design their own island currency notes using recycled materials, inspired by UOB Painting of the Year artists Joanna Maneckji and Leo Liu. Joanna has even created a new artwork for the exhibition, while Leo will be painting a vibrant mural within the marketplace. Additionally, a Money Gallery Wall, inspired by Katie Friedman’s "The Plastic Rectangle," will showcase children’s drawings about the value of time spent together.

Mark Your Calendars!

Lost Islands opens its doors at The Artground Goodman Arts Centre on 19 Apr 2025 till 31 Mar 2026, giving you plenty of time to embark on this exciting adventure.

Ticketing

Tickets are available on The Artground website, do note the following fees. 

• Weekdays: $5/pax
• Weekends / PH / School Holidays: $8/child, $5/adult

The Artground is a fantastic space for families with young children, and Lost Islands promises to be a hands-on fun learning experience. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of folklore, encourage their creativity, and even lay the foundation for understanding financial concepts – all through the power of play.

Don't miss out on this exciting new exhibition! Head down to The Artground and let the journey through the Lost Islands begin!